Infused in the Word--February

​We are continuing in our weekly scripture discipline to encourage you to read and study God's Word more and also meditate on the key thoughts of our recent articles.  We pray this will encourage and assist you as you grow in the Kingdom.

February--Week Eight

Article:  ​The World Loves its Own, But We Belong to Him

  • If you aren't walking in the Spirit of the King--Jesus the Christ--then you aren't in His Will.  But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to Him at all.)  Romans 8:9  
  • When you allow the Holy Spirit, our Governor, to guide and lead you through embracing the Lord God's Word; then you are His.  Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.

    So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.  And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering.      Romans 8:12-17 

  • If you are consistently reading and studying His commands and principles, you have no fear but faith because you know it will work for your betterment. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.  For God knew his people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.  And having chosen them, He called them to come to Him. And having called them, He gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, He gave them His glory.  Romans 8:27-30 

Moving into Romans:

​As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you.  What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
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​This week read and meditate on Romans 1-2.  Paul continues his ministry in Rome and teaches about God's anger at sin and speaks of His righteous judgement.
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​Keep seeking the Kingdom!​

February--Week Seven

Article:  ​Only One Culture, One Mindset and One Spirit

  • You must be born again.  When you are truly born again, your spirit is one with the Lord God.  Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit.  Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.”  John 3:5-6

  • Being born again “marked” you as one with the Lord God.  When you have the Spirit of the living God you are one with Him.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me, for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else.  No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.  John 10:27-30

  • We are to teach others the culture of the Kingdom of the living God, making them of one mindset. We do that by leading them by our behavior and lifestyle.  We shouldn’t even try to teach it if we aren’t living it and leading by example!  King Jesus made that very clear. Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.  Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.  Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”  Matthew 28:18-20  

Continuing in Acts:

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you.  What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
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​This week read and meditate on Acts 27-28.  Paul continues his ministry to Rome and is shipwrecked in Malta. 
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​Keep seeking the Kingdom!
       

February--Week Six

Article:  ​Having a Kingdom Mindset

  • People with a Kingdom mindset have one focus--to please the King.  That is accomplished by knowing and obeying His Word.   “If you love me, obey my commandments."  John 14:15    "But you don’t believe me because you are not my sheep.  My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me,  for my Father has given them to me, and he is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand.  The Father and I are one.”  John 10:26-30 

  • People with a Kingdom mindset are those who are led by the Holy Spirit, our Governor.  Therefore, dear brothers and sisters, you have no obligation to do what your sinful nature urges you to do.  For if you live by its dictates, you will die. But if through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.  For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  Romans 8:12-14  
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  • When an individual has a Kingdom mindset, his priorities are put in order. Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear.  For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing.  Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!  Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?  And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

    “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are.  And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

    “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs.  Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.      Luke 12:22-31  

​Continuing in Acts:

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you.  What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
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​This week read and meditate on Acts 25-26.  Continuing with the life and ministry of Paul. 
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​Keep seeking the Kingdom!
       

February--Week Five

Article:  ​"I Need a Word"

  • Getting a word directly from the Lord requires that we have a spiritual connection with Him and hear and know His voice.  We also should have His word in our hearts already, which requires that we read God's Constitution (the Bible).  I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Psalm 119:11  When we do, the Holy Spirit can speak to us through the scriptures that are already "written on our hearts". 
 
  • Do you truly believe that the Bible is the divinely inspired Word of God to mankind?  Is it the Constitution of His Kingdom government to govern its citizens? And, Jesus is that Word made into flesh and bones? So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.  John 1:14 
 
  • Submit yourself to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in all you do and spend time in prayer.  Remember, prayer isn't ONLY when you speak.  Prayer shouldn't be a monologue, it should be a dialog.  When you get alone and pray, there should also be a time of silence.  How can you hear from the Lord if you never get silent?  But you are not like that, for the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you know the truth.  1 John 2:20 TLB…My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from me.  John 10:27-28…For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.  Romans 8:14  ​

Continuing in Acts:

As you read your Bible (God's Constitution for the Kingdom) highlight key scriptures and phrases as the Holy Spirit guides you.  What scriptures touch you and minister to you? We have also included links to Bible Gateway in case you don't have a Bible with you at the moment.
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​This week read and meditate on Acts 23-24.  The ministry of Paul continues, a plot by the Jerusalem Jews to kill Paul and he is arrested for sedition and brought before the governor, Felix. 
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​Keep seeking the Kingdom!